HC Deb 30 November 1998 vol 321 c56W
Mr. Rooney

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what responsibilities attach to owners of Grade II listed sites. [61133]

Mr. Alan Howarth

[holding answer 27 November 1998]: Grade II listed buildings form an important part of the nation's historic environment, for which we all share responsibility. The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 requires the owner of any listed building to obtain listed building consent for any works of demolition or for any works of alteration or extension which would affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest. The carrying out of such works without prior consent is a criminal offence.

Mr. Rooney

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what grants are available to the owners of Grade II listed sites. [61134]

Mr. Alan Howarth

[holding answer 27 November 1998]: Grade II listed buildings in conservation areas are eligible for grant funding from English Heritage. The Heritage Lottery Fund can also provide funding for any grade of listed building provided that the application meets their assessment criteria.

Local authorities have powers to give grants for any buildings of special architectural or historic interest. They can give grants up to 50 per cent. of costs, and authorities may also make interest-free loans rather than grants, using the same criteria.

Further information on other sources of funding may be found in the Directory of Grant Making Trusts published by the Charities Aid Foundation, available from public libraries, and Funds for Historic Buildings published by the Architectural Heritage Fund, Clareville House, 26–27 Oxendon Street, London SW1Y 4EL.